We think: TIME should have have run the video without the narrative, and let viewers laugh.

Or wince. Or pause, and think about it.

But the commentary is weak, and we believeth that TIME hath protested too much. The video’s observations need to be taken with an entire box of kosher salt, aye, but that much is or should be obvious. TIME‘s apologetic, however, gives the video too much credit, and speaks volumes about – if not the magazine’s editorial sensitivities – their agenda.

And just because the essential argument is pro-CCP spin, it doesn’t mean that each and every point is fundamentally incorrect.

If democracy really needs amateurish puffery to shore it up against a Ministry of Feelgood cum South Park stunt, then it’s in trouble.